Woman caretaker at grave yard

Visakhapatnam: Women proved many a time that they can break barriers if given a chance and can be on par with male. Taking a cue, 45-year-old Thatta Jaya Lakshmamma entered the male domain as a graveyard keeper at Gavarapalem area in Anakapalle.

Jaya Lakshmamma at the age of 25 years took the responsibilities of her family with four children as a woman graveyard keeper after the demise of her husband Lokeshwara Rao. She was working for the past 18 years at Gavarapalem graveyard.

"Initially, my family members and others in society raised objections to work at graveyard. However, I convinced them that women can do any kind of work like men and proved. There is no profession and work divided for men and women. Women can do any type of work, if have strong mindset. Finally, I proved that a woman also can perform duties at graveyard," Jaya Lakshmamma told The Hans India.

Now, her elder son was settled in Assam while younger son is now writing intermediate examinations. Her two daughters got married and settled. Lakshmamma also provided employment to four orphans after she find them at bus stand and railway station.

The four women are helping to maintain the graveyard clean and green. She starts her day in the early hours and returns home after duty. She arrives at the grave yard by walking 15 km to attend to her daily work.

“Gender equality means not fighting with siblings for assets and other benefits. Women should emerge themselves as bread winners. They should never give up for small things by taking hasty decisions like committing suicides. They should fight against problems and keep faith in God and should be a role model to others in society," she opined.

Inspired from her work, two other women- S Laxmi was working at Arilova Hindu Smashana Vatika for the past three years- M Saidamma was working at Sikh Cemetery for the past two years.

By Phani Suni